Explore Bantry, the beautiful harbour town on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, nestled between high mountain ridges and the expanse of Bantry Bay.
Home to West Cork Music’s stunning festivals which fill the town with creative energy, Bantry is a wonderful place to connect with Ireland’s heritage, have a maritime adventure, or simply soak in the atmosphere at the bustling Friday market.
Explore the restored ruins of Carriganass Castle on the outskirts of Kealkill village, en route to Gougane Barra. The castle played a dramatic role in one of Irish history’s most exciting stories in 1602, when the O’Sullivan Bere clan passed its gates as they set out to join the Flight of the Earls. The picturesque castle is an ideal place to enjoy a riverside picnic.
Take the 10-minute ferry trip from Bantry’s Quays across to Whiddy Island – a place where guided walking loops and quiet country roads lead you to wonderful views and heritage sites, including the island’s Martello Tower overlookin Bantry town. And why not enjoy a well-earned drink and fresh seafood at the Bank House before you make the return trip to Bantry.
Take the helm on a self-drive guided boat trip on Bantry Bay and experience the Wild Atlantic Way from the water, with breathtaking scenery and the chance to spot dolphins, seals and local birdlife. All trips are accompanied by a qualified guide in a safety boat.
Pack your camera and your walking boots for a guided 4×4 safari around the northern and southern coasts of the Sheep’s Head peninsula. Engaging local guide, Chris O’Sullivan will share the history and local lore of the peninsula on an active tour that introduces you to spectacular stretches of the award-winning Sheep’s Head Way walking route.
Hire a kayak, join a guided kayak tour or book a private lesson on Bantry Bay, to explore Bantry’s inner harbour, and the Bantry Blueway sea kayaking route. Single and double kayaks are available by the hour, with backrests for comfort. You can even opt to kayak to Whiddy Island and catch the ferry back!
Climb into the saddle for a guided pony trekking trail ride through ancient forest to Maggie Murphy’s cottage. Follow a private farm track to the cottage, winding through woodland and native planting, and you’ll find spectactular views that open out over Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas.
Enjoy an exhilarating 2-hour guided RIB boat covering around 21 nautical miles of Bantry Bay. Bring your camera to capture the magic of sea caves, sea stacks and historic Whiddy Island. And watch out for dolphins, porpoises, grey and common seals, herons, cormorants, egrets and terns along the way! Minimum age 10.
A West Cork institution, Manning’s Emporium Café & Deli is a champion of local producers, and you’ll be spoilt for at this family-run café and deli in Ballylickey. Choose from hearty, home-cooked meals, great soups, and the best grilled sandwiches made with local ingredients, and pick up the makings of a delicious picnic before you leave.
Led by Head Chef Adrian Biffen, the Ocean Restaurant at The Maritime Hotel serves modern Irish evening dining using fresh local ingredients, with views over Bantry Bay. Open daily April to October – advance booking recommended as it is one of Bantry’s busiest restaurants.
A renowned family-run food and wine store, The Stuffed Olive produces great breads, cakes and desserts and providing light lunches, including delicious quiches and salads that feature the very best local produce. Don’t leave without sticking up on artisan products including chocolates, coffee, wines and pastas. Home-made ready meals are also available to take away.
A fine dining destination on the shores of Dunmanus Bay near Durrus, the family-run restaurant at Blairscove has open since 1981. Book ahead to eat in a stunning dining room, renowned for its buffet starters, wood-fired grill mains and legendary dessert display. Closed Sundays and Mondays – booking essential.
Named Munster Coastal Escape of the Year 2023, the Maritime is a welcoming 4-star hotel in the heart of Bantry town. Sitting on the edge of Bantry Bay with uninterrupted sea views, the hotel has an attractive leisure centre with a 19m indoor pool. Dining options include the cosy Maritime Bar and the Ocean Restaurant.
A 4-star hotel set on 26 acres of landscaped gardens on the edge of Bantry town, overlooking Bantry Bay, the Westlodge is the perfect base for exploring Bantry and the three West Cork peninsulas. The Sugarloaf Restaurant uses only the best local produce, and the Leisure Centre boasts a state-of-the-art gym, pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Seaview is a delightful 4-star country house hotel, set in private grounds in Ballylickey, just a few minutes along the coastal drive from Bantry. The third-generation family-run hotel, overlooking charming gardens, offers award-winning cuisine, luxurious rooms, and a modern Spa & Bath House experience.
Hidden away in one of Ireland’s most romantic glens, the Gougane Barra Hotel overlooks the lake of Gougane Barra and the ancient hermitage of St Finbarr. Renowned for its warm welcome, delicious foodm and relaxed atmosphere, this fifth-generation family-run hotel combines traditional hospitality with exceptional attention to detail.
Set around the cobbled courtyard of this charmig Georgian country house at the head of Dunmanus Bay you’ll find four stylish suites, set in beautifully restored 250-year-old stone outbuildings. This Blue Book accommodation is available on a B&B or self-catering basis. Enjoy dinner in the renowned Blairscove restaurant, overlooking the bay, during your stay!
Edencrest B & B, just a kilometre from Bantry town centre, is renowned for its warm welcome and delicious breakfasts, as well as magnificent views over Bantry Bay. Edencrest also offers a Lodge next door with rooms and self-service breakfast available.
Enjoy the perfect combination of nature and home comforts at this family-run boutique glamping and camping site on West Cork’s Mizen Peninsula, overlooking Dunmanus Bay and the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. Choose between tipis, bell tents, caravan/camper van berths and camping pitches nestled amongst native mature trees with a bubbling stream and small waterfall nearby.
At the water’s edge overlooking a sheltered wooded inlet near Bantry, you’ll find this adults-only hideaway, with stunning views over Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay and the Beara Peninsula.
Located in the heart of West Cork in the town of Skibbereen – 25 minutes from Bantry – the West Cork Hotel offers 50 en-suite rooms and is an ideal base for touring Baltimore and the islands, Mizen Head, Glandore, Lough Hyne and Bantry. The Kennedy Restaurant focuses on locally-caught seafood and seasonal produce.
Choose from eight self-catering holiday homes in the beautiful woodland setting of the old Ardnagashel Estate between Glengarriff and Bantry, each with four bedrooms and spectacular views over Bantry Bay. The estate has private access to its own pebble beach.
The beautiful Artist’s Cottage is surrounded by a large, private garden with wonderful sea views, a stream, pond and small outdoor pool. Ten miles west of Bantry on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula between Durrus and Ahakista, Laharandota, is a tranquil and scenic retreat.
A self-catering retreat in the peaceful countryside 8km from Bantry and 3km from the coast, Green Lodge in Ballylickey is exclusively available for vegetarian guests. The comfortable holiday home accommodates a couple plus one adult or child, with a private entrance, en-suite bathroom, kitchen and WiFi (3-night minimum).
A tastefully restored three-bedroom traditional cottage with mountain views, Droumkeal is located in peaceful countryside about 1km from Ballylickey Bay and ten minutes from both Bantry and Glengarriff. It sleeps four adults and a baby, and features an open fireplace and a sunny conservatory dining room.
Treat yourself to a stay at Bantry House, where the East Wing rooms overlook the glorious 19th-century Italianate gardens created by the 2nd Earl of Bantry. All rooms are ensuite and are furnished with silk curtains, Irish woollens and some period furniture.
Set at the head of Bantry Bay, and flanked by the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas, Bantry is the perfect base for exploring West Cork.
This unspoilt region – studded with world-class walks and characterful towns and villages – is famed for its creativity which finds expression through the arts, culture, crafts, and a thriving artisan food scene.
The charming heritage town of Bantry is the hub for three peninsulas and inhabited islands that showcase the best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a walk on the Sheep’s Head Way, catch a ferry out to West Cork’s inhabited islands, or simply chat with the locals at our festival events, and you’ll soon discover why this region is so inspiring!
